Staying at Our Post

“Stay at your post, watching … I say it to you, and I’m saying it to all: Stay at your post” Mark 13: 35-37 (TM).

As much as we are assured of peace in Christ (John16:33), and His presence with us in all we go through (Heb.13:5), Jesus never promised that our lives would be free from trouble. In fact, He said to expect adversity (John16:33). To expect trials. The Bible even says to welcome these because of the refining of our character and maturity as we are molded more into His likeness (Rom.5:3-4).

But adversity is hard. Sometimes so hard, and so painful and confusing, that we wonder if we will actually come through it. And then there is the grief and regret sometimes, that life didn’t go according to plan. That we made poor choices. That others hurt us in ways we didn’t expect. I am thankful for a God Who redeems, Who brings beauty from ashes (Is.61:3). A God Who restores, even for time itself, when the locust has stolen the years (Joel 2:25).

But what about being in the middle of something really hard, something you know God would have you persevere with? A difficult marriage. A difficult job. Singleness. A strained family relationship. What about the temptation to give up and walk away?

The words of Jesus in the verse above (in the context of His return) have been something that encourage me so much in times that are hard.

“Stay at your post.”

Keep on, and continue in, those relationships and circumstances I know God has entrusted to me for this time.

It is so hard when I think too long about my feelings in a difficult situation, about needs not being met, but when I lift my focus to God, to His glory, to His bigger, eternal purposes that may not be clear for the moment, then I find myself strengthened. I find that a kind of joy comes even – not in the difficulty, but in the presence of God’s Spirit at work within me.

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Phil. 3:14.

In our weariness to persevere, let’s draw near to God. Let’s wait on Him, until He has renewed our strength (Is.40:31). Let’s behold His beauty and His goodness, His holiness and His love, strong in devotion to this awesome God we serve.

Our confidence in Him, will be richly rewarded (Hebrews 10:35).

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12 Responses to “Staying at Our Post”

“But adversity is hard. Sometimes so hard, and so painful and confusing, that we wonder if we will actually come through it. And then there is the grief and regret sometimes, that life didn’t go according to plan. That we made poor choices. That others hurt us in ways we didn’t expect.”

You are so spot on with how I feel, Birgit. Reading this is almost like you are seeing into my heart, and I feel sure that it will touch so many others in just the same way. I have found, and still do find, tremendous comfort in knowing that we should expect and embrace persecution and difficulties. It makes such trials a little easier to bear. God bless you in your continued striving to do His will. You have the ability to touch people and to know their innermost feelings. It’s a gift, Birgit, and you use it so well. Much love to you.

My hearts cry is that in the cocktail of ups and downs and the refreshing in between – that we dare be bold, with head held high, crying “Hosanna in the highest!” As one who has often felt crushed, and betrayed I take comfort knowing that Jesus knows, He cares and He understands – after all He was betrayed by a friend who kissed His cheek and sold Him for 30 pieces of silver (Mat 26:14) Thank God that His love is our constant!

This is such encouragment Birgit, and a reminder that God calls us to stay put, to remain steadfast. I know sometimes I want to ‘abandon ship’ so to speak, but this reminds me of Psalm 130:6: My soul waits for the Lord- more than watchmen for the morning (and he says it again), more than watchmen for the morning. And it speaks of staying put, staying at our post like you say, but waiting eagerly for the Lord to come and rescue us. It’s tough. And I know I don’t always remember that this is our call- and the very nature of faith. God bless :)

As I sit and read I am reminded of Jesus. He stayed at his post. Faithful to His Father until the end, when He said it is finished. He hung alone He knew the cost and knew that we could not bear what He did. He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us always. How amazing that we have the Spirit who knows our needs before we do ” Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Rom 8:26 Staying at our post can be costly, but we are not alone. Amen Be encouraged that you are in God’s thoughts today, and the Holy Spirit is intercessing for you with groanings…

I am longing to have His peace even in the most difficult times. Acually, I am praying to have peace in the less difficult times. I love that the Bible tells us to seek peace. I think if we can learn to live in deep, unshakable peace, we will do a much better job at watching instead of holding on with our eyes clenched tight. But I think I am behind in this area, so this comment may be just for me. :)

Hi dear Birgit…things have been very difficult lately and i am surprised how upset they made me feel. Your words were sent to heal and they did. God so richly bless you and thankyou!

Just a little thought:

“If feelings are like a fish out of water
or an alien from another planet.
A round peg in a square shape,
perhaps sad when others are laughing
or the other way around.
I simply turn to God,
in earnest prayer.
Then these lost and lonely feelings
don’t caste shadows for long.
I simply call upon the name, Jesus
the lover of my soul.
Light of all things,
He soon carries me home
to Love, Hope and Peace.
Into the arms of His grace, then,
i go!”

Thank you so much to each of you for what you have shared here. I am so looking forward to being able to respond more fully very soon. I am away for the next few days as there has been a bereavement in my family, but I wanted to say thank you for your replies, and also to let you know that I have been praying for those who have been facing painful or difficult situations mentioned here. With love, and God’s fullest blessings, Birgit.

Dear Dee, Thank you so much for your really kind and encouraging words here. From our emails, I know of the truly painful time you have been through this past year. It is an inspiration to me how you have held onto your faith, as you walk through this very difficult time.
I really relate to the point you make that there is some reassurance in the knowledge that Jesus told us ahead, to expect persecution and difficulties in our lives. And also, the knowledge that in those times, He will never leave us (Heb.13:5).
With love and every blessing to you xo

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@ngie, this was so encouraging to hear that you were stirred and that God gave you the motivation you needed to hold on. His ministry through your and DaRonn’s lives are an inspiration to me, and I look forward to seeing how His plan continues to unfold for you both and your family. With love.

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Tali, I love what you said here about holding our heads high in Him, and continuing to praise Him, built up in the knowledge that He is for us, and that He understands and has such compassion for all we go through! Very inspiring, my friend xo

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Rain, I love this Scripture that you mention here – keeping our eyes so focused on Him as watchman for the morning! I love the sense of steadfastness in that, and unrelenting hope. Thank you for that.
As I read your words about the temptation to “jump ship” at times, I related to this. Sometimes what God asks us to do or persevere with in a situation, can be so tough. There’s lots to say about this, and I think it’s so true what you say, that this is ultimately our call as His followers, “Thy will be done” (Matt.6:10).
With love and blessings to you friend.

Tina, your comment here is so encouraging! What a thought that Jesus endured the ultimate pain and suffering, that we may be reconciled to the Father, and know peace and hope. That He was faithful to His Father’s will until the end.
And what a wonderful reminder that as we seek to “stay at our post” as God leads, we have the gift and empowering of His Spirit within us!
Thank you for your inspiration here, and thank you for your prayer! God bless, friend xo

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Tawny, your comment really spoke to me, thank you! You are not alone. I would also like to grow in my experience of His peace, and walking in that peace. What a promise that we can live in this deep sense of rest in Him! :) Love and blessings to you.

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Wow, Michelle, that is so good! You too, and your depth in God, are an inspiration to me.

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Dearest Rosalind, I’m so sorry to hear that things have not been easy for you recently, and that this has caused you to feel upset at times. My heart goes out to you, as I know how hurts can weigh heavily. I love your poem, and the sense of hope in it, as you describe lifting the things that weigh on us to God, and that He begins to heal and restore. It is so true that He is the ‘Lover of our Souls,’ and the Good Shepherd that cares so deeply for His sheep.
Please know that the Lord has laid you on my heart, and I’m praying for you. You are a dear friend, and your visits here are such a blessing to me.
With love, Birgit ox